Planning To Be Successful

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

What do you think of when you think of success? Perhaps it’s becoming a doctor, computer analyst, web developer, therapist, pilot, entertainer, pastor, judge, roofer, painter, bishop, architect, landscape or interior designer, custodian, lawyer, nurse, policemen, consultant, chef, executive or business owner, mother or father…? Webster defines success as; a favorable completion of something. The gaining of wealth, favor, or prestige.

Whatever career paths you decide upon or have decided upon don’t forget to consult the Lord! Opportunity is available to all that put forth the necessary exertion. Society tells you to get an education and do something with your life. Be successful! Parents encourage their children to apply themselves in school or to excel in sports. Whatever directions you choose just make something of yourself! Be successful!

The Bible tells us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you" Matthew 6. I think God knows best don’t you? If you haven’t begun to employ God’s principles in your life, please start now! It is never too late…

There are so many unhappy unfulfilled people despite all the necessary material comforts. Looking for success in all the wrong places, people and /or things from every sector of life. I often hear people say "things don’t make you happy." But not one of them did not have anything themselves! They were clothed, fed and had a roof over their head. Yes its true things don’t make you happy, but we live in a material world. Material meaning anything that is derived from matter, better yet physical. The problem is not the things but how we prioritize and relate to them. Never measure yourself by someone else!

I/we have always choosen to have high standards. A certain quality is desired. Those high standards are always inclusive of the principles of God. But I also realize that one must work hard and be diligent to achieve them. What is quality? "Quality; you know it when you see it" We have much freedom in the Lord. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and them that dwell therein..." PSALM 24 We have the rights were the Lord is concerned. He requires us to go many places, some not always of our choice. But one must be careful of what and who you allow to attach themselves to you. We are not to conform to every environment but to often show a contrast. This is why we need the Holy Spirit. There are those who seek to pull you down. There are also those who simply want to control you. Others who simply underestimate your intelligence. Never compromise God's principles to be accepted by any one. Pray for discernment and allow the Lord to lead you in all areas of your life.

Let it become more important to you what God knows rather than what people think! This does not mean that you become cold, callous or unsympathetic ... You just Don’t allow them to subliminally program your thinking by the thoughts they project. You speak the “TRUTH in LOVE. ” If you listen to someone long enough they will reveal the sentiments of their own heart. One must first take the time to listen in order to hear! In the Lord we can have true "Solid Rock Foundation!"

Few people really know what it means to truly understand. They make a whole lot of assumptions based on what they see. Too often by misinformed information they arrive at conclusions that aren’t actually true. Don’t ever put confidence in the flesh! Understanding comes from God. Good wise counseling is inclusive of learning to listen attentively and objectively. It is a precious gift! It requires that you remain objective. When your desire is to truly help you must say what is often misunderstood. Not everyone really wants wise counsel. Quite often they want you to tell them what they want to hear. To understand you must solicit righteous judgment. Real success is when your security and significance is in the LORD! You learn to trust him in every area of your life. You know that He is omniscient.

It is always good to regularly take a personal inventory. When you are walking with God you should see some personal improvement in your life. Your ability to handle life should improve. You don’t fall apart at the seams. You are able to receive correction whenever needed. You are able to shake off invalid perceptions perceived by others. You learn to allow the peace of GOD to guard your heart! Humility becomes a favorable companion. God’s perspective is quite different from that of man’s. God looks on the inside man looks on the outside. God sees it all. God’s Blessings are not contingent upon what man thinks!

Learn to “be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God!" Philippians 4. Be patient with yourself as well as others and exercise discipline. A certain amount of anxiety in life is healthy. It gives us an incentive to desire to improve.

There’s always room for growth in all of us! When you study GOD'S WORD it will increase your ability to DISCERN! Discern means to recognize or you are able to discriminate mentally. To increase your cognition of good and evil. It will also guide you successfully over or around any seen and unforeseen stumbling blocks and landmines that are placed in your path! "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil ." Hebrews 5.

Did you know Christ really did die for you and me? He has promised to meet all of our needs. The problem is needs and wants are often confused. The children of Israel confused their needs and wants. God provided all their needs. His presence was constantly with them. He even rained manna from heaven. They were instructed to take just enough. Why? Because it would spoil and become infested with maggots. Moses was a great leader but because of his disobedience he was not able to enter the Promised Land. God wants us to be obedient to Him. But how can you be obedient if you don’t know what He requires?

God has created in us a void only He can fill. Addictions of all sorts are on the rise! This should not be. But one must become wise. No career, nobody, no thing, nor any recreational sport, video game, activity, food or substance can fill that void! Putting God first will prevent addiction and cause you to exercise "self-control." This is a Fruit of His Spirit. God has created us to have an intimate daily personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ! You can always and forever depend on God. You cam learn to exercise self control in every area of your life with the help off the Lord. If at this point in your life you have not established such a relationship please don’t procrastinate any longer. Today is a good day to Launch into the deepness of HIS WORD.

Cease to worry about whatever giant stalks your life! Giant meaning anything that prohibits you from coming into closer fellowship with Him. God can and will fight your battles. He can break any stronghold. But, He won’t force His way into your life. "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!" He allows you the freedom to choose.

"Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding in ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE WILL make your path straight. Proverbs 3. Joshua had a brilliant career under the direction of the Lord. Joshua is an excellent example of what happens when we are obedient to GOD. Joshua conquered the land of Canaan giants and all. But he had to go through some things. He accomplished what seemed to be impossible. Why? Because he trusted and obeyed God.

God did not say there wouldn’t be any opposition. Just make sure your position is congruent with God! Joshua was successful because of his adherence to God’s direction. You see God told Joshua in the very beginning the land was given to him. That "No man would be able to stand against him all the days of his life. That He would be with him and not forsake him all the days of his life. To be strong and of good courage." In turn Joshua was to meditate on GOD'S WORD day and night and be careful to follow all that is written. It was then that God told Joshua he would be successful!

This does not at all mean that we are to become legalistic. God has told us: “This is the Covenant that I will make with them after that time. Says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them in their minds.” Hebrews 10.

STEPS OF SUCCESS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

!. Make sure that you spend quality time with the Lord in HIS Word.

2. Draw closer to the Lord daily. Faithfully apply the Truth of HIS Word to your own personal life.

3. Readily repent of any sin. This nurtures a growing Love for the Lord and His principles.

4. "PRAY without ceasing; All throughout the day. This is what keeps you connected to the Lord.

5. Be diligent in an assiduous quest to make GOD the CENTER theme of your success. Seek the WILL of the LORD above everything.

Always remember who you belong to. The Lord has a plan for each of His children. Just make sure your success plan includes Him! He really does have it all under control! Trust God & I assure you, you will grow spiritually and be or become Blessed in all areas of your life!